Only those who keep their wit and affections about them will survive the mass conditioning of the Organization, where confusion solemnly rules and conformity is king. As in our world itself, humanity prevails in the courage, love, and laughter of singular spirits--of men and women for whom life is an adventure no Organization can quell, and whose souls remain their own.

A parody of the United Nations in eight stories from the National Book Award-winning author of The Great Fire

Only those who keep their wit and affections about them will survive the mass conditioning of the Organization, where confusion solemnly rules and conformity is king. As in our world itself, humanity prevails in the courage, love, and laughter of singular spirit-of men and women for whom life is an adventure no Organization can quell, and whose souls remain their own.

"A brilliant comedy on a large and serious theme." - The Saturday Review

"Places her on a high ground between Katherine Mansfield and Evelyn Waugh." - The New York Times

"It stings and alarms . . . Hazzard's strength lies in her coolness, her modesty, and her understatement." - The Times (London)

"The comedy, irony, and pathos generated by the conflict between bureaucratic form and human content are beautifully rendered." -Dwight Macdonald

"This collection of eight short stories is a masterpiece of observation which clearly demonstrates the author's perceptive wit." - Spike Magazine